What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes one to three visits spread over weeks or months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many times you need to retake them. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Texas requires you to show up, prove who you are, and demonstrate you can drive safely.

The path differs slightly depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Texas from another state. Age matters too: if you are under 18, you follow a graduated licensing system with restrictions that lift over time. This guide covers the standard adult process (18 and older) and notes where minors take a different route.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security explaining why you do not have one.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner, usually at separate visits weeks apart.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $45 if you are 18–84 years old; a six-year license for ages 85 and older costs $25.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months and 40 hours of supervised driving before you can test for a license.
  • You can schedule your tests online through the DPS website, but you cannot complete the entire process online — you must appear in person for both tests.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a Social Security letter. Texas DPS is strict about what counts, so check the official list before you go.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A driver's license from another state counts only if it is not expired. A school ID, library card, or work badge does not count.

For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax statement, or a government letter (such as from the Texas Workforce Commission). A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Texas address does not count on its own — it must be one of the documents listed above.

Bring your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have one. If you do not have a Social Security number and cannot get a letter, you may be able to sign an affidavit at the DPS office, but call ahead to confirm your local office accepts this.

The written knowledge test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some offices offer it in other languages — call ahead if you need a language other than English or Spanish.

You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website as a PDF. Many people also use online practice tests, though these are not official and vary in quality. The handbook covers everything the test asks about, so reading it thoroughly is the most reliable way to prepare.

You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, or you can schedule another visit. There is no fee to retake the test. Once you pass, you receive a learner permit (if you are under 18) or move on to scheduling your driving test (if you are 18 or older).

The driving test and what examiners look for

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. This test usually happens weeks later, depending on how busy your local DPS office is. You drive a vehicle with a DPS examiner in the passenger seat for about 20 to 30 minutes on public roads near the office.

The examiner watches for basic vehicle control: smooth steering, proper use of mirrors and signals, safe speed, and correct braking. They also test your ability to follow instructions — they will ask you to turn left, pull over, back up, or park, and you must do these things safely and correctly. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to signal, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting the examiner's side mirror. Nervousness is normal, but the examiner expects you to drive as you normally would, not perfectly.

You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test to your appointment. The vehicle must have valid registration, a current inspection sticker, working brakes, working lights, and working windshield wipers. If the vehicle fails a safety check, you cannot test that day. You can retake the driving test, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $15, depending on the office).

Fees and how long the license lasts

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $45 for people ages 18 to 84. If you are 85 or older, you can choose a one-year, two-year, four-year, or six-year license; the six-year license costs $25. These are the standard fees as of 2024, but DPS occasionally adjusts them — check the DPS website to confirm the current fee before you visit.

You pay the fee at the DPS office after you pass both tests. Some offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards; a few accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

Your license is valid for the full term printed on it (five or six years for most adults). You do not need to renew it early unless you change your name, address, or want to update your photo. If your license expires, you can renew it by mail or online in most cases, though you may need to visit an office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Scheduling your tests and what to expect at the DPS office

You can schedule both the written test and the driving test online through the DPS website. Go to the DPS Driver License Services page, select your county, and choose an available appointment time. You can also call your local DPS office or visit in person to schedule, though online scheduling is usually faster.

For the written test, arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents. The office will verify your identity and residency, take your photo, and collect your fee. Then you sit at a computer and take the test. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

For the driving test, arrive 15 minutes early with your vehicle and all required documents. The examiner will do a quick safety check of the vehicle (lights, brakes, wipers, horn). If the vehicle passes, you drive with the examiner. If you pass, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must pay the fee again.

Special situations: Moving to Texas, renewing, or changing your information

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. Instead, you can do a license transfer: visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. You pay the fee, get your photo taken, and leave with a Texas license. This usually takes one visit and about 30 minutes. However, if your out-of-state license is expired, you must take both tests.

If your Texas license is expired but not more than two years old, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office and may need to retake the tests — call DPS to confirm what applies to your situation.

If you need to change your name, address, or photo on an existing license, you can do this at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate) or new address (such as a utility bill), and your fee. You do not retake the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later date. Most DPS offices schedule driving tests weeks after you pass the written test, depending on how busy they are. You cannot walk in and do both the same day.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not retake the written test unless it has expired (usually after six months).

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

You need either a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have one. If you cannot get a letter, some DPS offices allow you to sign an affidavit instead, but policies vary by office — call ahead to confirm.

Can I renew my Texas license online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, and you have not changed your name or address. If your license is more than two years expired, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What if I move to a different Texas county?

You do not need to get a new license just because you moved within Texas. Your current license remains valid until it expires. However, you should update your address with DPS by visiting a DPS office, calling, or using the online address change form on the DPS website.